Building relationships that last for eternity

Building relationships that last for eternity

WATERVILLE, Minnesota—From Dec. 28 to 31, 58 youths, 37 adult staff and three children participated in Snowblast 2003 at Camp Omega, hosted by the Living Hope (formerly Minneapolis North) congregation in Champlin, Minnesota.

This year the activity took on the characteristics of a blend between a Discovery Weekend and the Spiritual Enrichment Program (SEP), including several praise and worship sessions, Christian Living classes, outdoor winter activities (broomball, capture the flag, and snow tubing) and indoor activities (drama, dance lessons and arts and crafts).

Our theme for this sixth-annual event was “Building Relationships That Last for Eternity.”

Most of the youths came from Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois, however two young men, Juan Carlos Barrero and his brother Andres Felipe Barrero, came all the way from Colombia, South America.

Jeff Skrove, Living Hope youth coordinator, has been the driving force behind all six Snowblast events.

Julie Holladay, drama coordinator, wrote: “I left Snowblast very energized and renewed in my faith. A lot of the campers had gone to SEP in the summer, and I’m excited by the fact that I might see them next summer to see how they’re doing.”

Julie and crew were responsible for several skits that formed the basis of many discussions during Christian living classes and dorm discussions.

George Denn, one of the adult volunteers, commented afterward: “One of the highlights for me was to see my nephew Zack recommit his life to Christ. The last night all of us in Dorm 2b laid hands on Zack and prayed for him.”

Pastor John Bailey from Beloit, Wisconsin, said: “My observation of the youths was that they were like sponges soaking up the information shared. I got a sense the youths have gained a better footing on how to develop lasting and meaningful relationships with their peers and adult significant others.”

Christian living classes were conducted by Pastor Cliff Parks and Pastor John Stonecypher. Praise and worship sessions were a blend of live music (led by Pastor James Newby), and CDs led by Living Hope worship leaders Nat and Lisa Seltzer.

Dance lessons were conducted by Dave and Linda Holmes. Doug Johannsen.

BROOMBALL—Lauren Miarecki and Seth Schnoor
battle it out as Zachary Denn watches for his opportunity.
[Photo by Doug Johannsen]